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May 9, 2013 | 11
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Biddle headed to Division II Sophomore basketball player signs letter of intent to Western State Colorado University
James Williams Features Editor Riverside City College point guard Mason Biddle signed his letter of intent to play basketball at Western State Colorado University in the Wheelock Gymnasium. Biddle has been a starter the past two seasons for the men’s basketball team under head coach John Smith after playing locally at Arlington High School. Smith said that Biddle stood out in high school because of his vocal leadership and for being a “fierce competitor.” “Those two attributes were evident, especially when I was down and not able to coach,” Smith said. “He was an extension of me every day on the floor and one of the main reasons why we had the success we did, along with the other sophomores.” Biddle finished his sophomore season at RCC as the Orange Empire Conference leader in assists and fourth in steals per game. He also averaged 9.8 points with 4.8 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game. “I couldn’t have asked for a better two years,” Biddle said. “I think I matured the past two years here and being here with Coach Smith has been great.” Biddle feels he has greatly improved during his two seasons both physically and mentally. “I think I am a lot smarter and I see the floor a bit better as a point guard,” he said. As an up-tempo player coming out of high school, he liked to push the action but slowed down the pace in which he plays. “Coach Smith taught me how to slow down and better run a
James Williams / Staff photo
Committed: Riverside City College point guard Mason Biddle signs his letter of intent to play basketball for Western State Colorado University on May 6. Biddle led the Orange Empire Conference in assists. team,” Biddle said. Anthony Tyson, an assistant coach for RCC, had similar comments in regards to what he saw from Biddle during his time on campus. “He really understands the game now and has the ability to run a coach’s offensive system,” Tyson said. Biddle believes that what he learned during his time here at RCC will help provide a smooth transition at the next level. Biddle took a trip to Colorado
on a planned visit to see what the university had to offer. “It is a way different; Riverside is a big city and where I am going it is like a small town,” Biddle explained. “It looks like a western town without the cowboys.” “Western is getting a great player that will make a great impact on the team and community,” Tyson added. During his time in Colorado, he was able to bring back a feel for what the team had to offer and what to expect next season.
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Part of Biddle’s decision had to do with the instant chemistry he developed with WSCU’s head basketball coach Mike Moskowitz compared to the other coaches that showed interest. “I went on a visit to Hawaii Pacific, but I felt that (WSCU) was a better fit for me,” he said. “I get along with the coach really well.” Another positive for Biddle when he making his decision to WSCU were the returning players coming back to the team for the
2013 season. “I feel like we have a chance to do something at that school,” Biddle said. The WSCU Mountaineers finished with an overall record of 11-15 in 2012, including 8-3 at home and 3-12 on the road. The Mountaineers were also 10-12 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Biddle will finish out the spring semester before going to the university located in Gunnison, Colo.